Azerbaijan Hijab Dress Code Row: Students Protest as Schools Bar Entry

The new rules do not explicitly mention or directly ban the hijab. However, they prohibit clothing considered by the authorities to be visibly associated with religion and contrary to the principles of secularism.

Several female students and teachers wearing hijabs have been prevented from entering classrooms under the new regulations. In response, students at at least two schools boycotted classes and began protesting against the restrictions.

Videos of the protests have gone viral on social media, showing female students crying at school gates and embracing their teachers. The footage has drawn attention to the impact of the new dress code on students and educators affected by the restrictions.

Teacher Zahra Hasanova said wearing a hijab was a personal decision and that no one should be pressured into either removing or wearing one. Her remarks have added to the debate over individual choice and the enforcement of school uniform rules.

The government has defended the regulations on the grounds that all students should wear a uniform. It has also stated that cultural or traditional clothing may be permitted on special occasions, subject to approval by the school committee.

Azerbaijan's Constitution declares the country a secular state while also guaranteeing citizens the freedom to practise their religion. The dispute has therefore brought the enforcement of school dress codes into focus alongside questions about religious freedom and individual choice.

The opposition to the rules has also extended beyond schools. Imprisoned journalist Polad Aslanov has begun a hunger strike in protest against the decision. In neighbouring Türkiye, demonstrations were held outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in Istanbul, where protesters called for the regulations to be reconsidered.

The controversy continues to draw attention to the tensions surrounding religious attire in Azerbaijan's government schools, as students, teachers and other protesters challenge the restrictions and demand a review of the rules.